School celebrates 40 years and sends off 400 grads

APPLE VALLEY — More than 400 graduates from Apple Valley High School accepted diplomas Thursday night, followed by fireworks celebrating the school's 40th anniversary.

The 2008 graduating class is filled with students who have overcome odds and have high hopes for the future.

Ryan Fingerle, 18, is captain of the volleyball team. She helps kids with their homework, volunteers at Southwest Gas Company, has worked with the March of Dimes, trains horses and has accomplished all of this while facing the challenge of being born deaf.

"It never really bothered me. I just played through it," said Fingerle, who plans on attending Victor Valley College then transferring to Arizona State University to major in business management.

Ear implants that she got as a child have helped her hear better.

"This deafness — I'm not going to let it stop me from getting what I want in the future," Fingerle said.

Kristina Surek, 18, will be entering the architecture program at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona — one of the best in the nation.Out of 2,000 applicants, they accepted 80 students.

With a 4.5 grade point average, the school requested that Surek apply for their honors program, which she was subsequently accepted to.

Her fondest memories at Apple Valley High School are from playing clarinet in the band, and she voiced a special thanks to all of her advanced placement teachers.

Senior Andrew Oliveros plans on becoming a San Bernardino County firefighter while his friend Ethan Stockton is moving to Florida to "enjoy the beach" while attending community college.

Principal Judy Jonas gave a meaningful speech despite being interrupted by several volleys among the feverish graduates with beach balls they had snuck into the ceremony.

It was the last speech she'll give to any graduating class as she enters retirement.

World history teacher Janice Dodge holds a special place in her heart for this year's graduating class. Diagnosed three years ago with breast cancer, the students have supported her throughout her struggle.

"It's a very caring class," Dodge said. "This school has my heart."

Co-valedictorian Michelle El-Hajjaoui told graduates not to forget about their roots.

"I'm not saying don't physically leave Apple Valley," El-Hajjaoui said. "I'm saying don't forget the high school that helped form the person you are."

Fireworks capped off the night, surprising the graduates who wore looks on their faces that echoed the last line in Jonas' speech: "The future begins now."